MYSORE: The State Government will initiate steps for the all-round development of Srirangapatna town and Mysore, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said here on Sunday.

Speaking after presenting the Karnataka Sangeetha Vidwan award to Hindustani musician Manik Rao Raichurkar, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Dasara celebrations had moved to Mysore from Srirangapatna, which was the capital of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom.

The Government would protect the heritage monuments in Srirangapatna and improve tourism infrastructure in the town. "All necessary steps will be taken to promote Srirangapatna as a tourist centre," he said.

Significance

Mr. Kumaraswamy's assurance assumes significance in the wake of the controversy generated by the remarks of Higher Education Minister D.H. Shankaramurthy against the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan, who had Srirangapatna as his capital.

The Chief Minister said his Government was also committed to the development of Mysore, which has been identified as one of the top nine destinations in the country for industrial investment. "The Government is committed to the planned growth of Mysore without compromising on its heritage character," he said.

Ever since Mysore started attracting investment in information technology and other sectors, the old-world charm of the city and its reputation as a pensioner's paradise had been under threat. "It is important that the growth of Mysore does not affect the tranquillity of the city," he said.

Land mafia threat

With a lot of people showing interest in Mysore, Mr. Kumaraswamy said there was a threat of the land mafia making its presence felt in the city. "I have warned officials to keep an eye on land grabbers," he said and emphasised the need to check unhealthy speculation in real estate.

The Chief Minister said the Government would not discriminate between North and South Karnataka. After receiving the award, the octogenarian Mr. Raichurkar said he had expected recognition by the Government much earlier. "However, it does not matter even if the award has come late."

The Chief Minister also honoured State Bank of Mysore managing director P.P. Patnaik, State Bank of India deputy managing director Sridhar and senior vice-president of TVS Muthuraj for sponsoring Dasara activities.

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